Briar Valley: The Complete Duet

27. Willow

CHAPTER 27

WILLOW

NEVER SAY NEVER - THE FRAY

I watch the first rays of summer sunshine bloom on the horizon between imposing mountains that carve the panoramic view. The light leaks through in glittering beams, and the warmth soothes my skin. August is officially in full swing.

Sipping my fresh coffee, I glance at the silent cabin across the road. Zach’s still asleep, but Killian disappeared in his truck a while ago to run some errands for Lola. Micah’s back in his studio, though he emerges for mealtimes.

We’ve fallen into a familiar routine. Each night, we gather around the dinner table to spend time together. Ryder usually joins us, and sometimes Albie as well. Secretly, I think they both love having someone cook for them.

The guys have been taking it in turns to put Arianna to bed each night. She always blackmails them into reading her a story from the books that Rachel refreshes regularly. While the guys pretend to complain, I know all three of them love it.

I’m not sure when things changed, but in a weird way, it feels like we’re a real, albeit fucked-up family now. The rowdy, imperfect kind that threatens one another with death and has childish food fights to gain control of the TV remote.

“Mummy,” Arianna yells from inside. “I can’t find my polkadot dress. What am I going to wear to school?”

I slip back inside. “Don’t worry, sleepyhead. Let’s go find it.”

After locating the dress under a haphazard stack of teddy bears, Arianna gets dressed and I sit down on her bed to plait her hair. She insists on wearing the yellow ribbon that Killian bought her on his last trip to town.

“I still can’t find my baby box,” she says tearfully. “I haven’t seen it since we stayed with Grams. I think I lost it.”

“I’m sure you haven’t.” I smooth her finished hair, straightening the ribbon into place. “Let’s get you to school and I’ll go look for it, okay?”

“Promise?”

“I promise, Ari.”

“Okay,” she submits.

With her bottom lip jutted out, she grabs her backpack and races to the front door. Being homeschooled with the other kids has been endlessly good for her. She’s growing up so much and gaining confidence every day.

I tried my best when she was growing up to teach her the basics. It was hard going, but I did everything I could to give her a normal life amidst the despair and destruction. It’s great to see her learning now like normal children do.

Waving to Ryder working on a crappy looking motorcycle as we walk past, we begin the short hike down into the valley. The whole town is waking up for the day, with windows being thrown open and washing pegged out to dry.

“Hey, Willow!” Harold greets from his driveway.

“Morning. You heading out?”

He tosses a camouflaged bag into his truck. “We’re doing an overnight trip. Hoping to catch a deer or two this time.”

“Good luck.”

Climbing into the driver’s seat, he gives me a salute. “Catcha later.”

Once he’s out of earshot, Arianna tugs on my hand, her mouth downturned. “Mummy, is he really going to shoot a deer? They’re so pretty.”

“I know, baby. You don’t have to eat it.”

“I don’t want to. I like Bambi.”

Ruffling her hair, I try not to laugh and upset her further. She wasn’t saying that when she demolished a venison burger at Albie’s birthday bonfire. I’ll let her remain oblivious for a little longer before bursting that bubble.

For each cabin we pass, neighbours offer greetings. Nameless faces who once meant nothing to me are now treasured friends. I’ve learned about their lives and histories, piecing together the patchwork quilt of residents in Briar Valley.

Getting close to people was a luxury I never had before, but I finally feel at home here. We’ve found our place in the world and I’m not afraid to put down some very tentative roots, bottling my fear of it all being ripped away.

After a short walk, we reach the cabin that Rachel’s schoolhouse barn is located behind. The few children of the town are floating inside, and she waves at me from the doorway.

“Okay. Have a good day, Ari. Be good.”

“I’m always good!”

I duck down to peck her cheek and release her hand. She quickly sprints off to enter the awaiting barn with the other kids, already laughing and chatting to them. It’s stupid, but my chest tightens with emotion just watching her go.

“I love you!” I shout after her.

She waves at me again and vanishes inside. Smiling to myself, I turn around to find Aalia fussing over Johan in a similar, over-protective manner. When he pushes her hands away, she kisses all over his face until he turns red with embarrassment.

“Okay, okay. Go on then.”

“Bye,” he calls happily.

I’m clearly not the only one feeling emotional this morning as she swipes a subtle finger underneath her golden eyes, laughing when she spots me watching her.

“Morning, Willow. Ignore me, I’m being silly.”

“Not at all. How are you?”

“Oh, you know. Bearing up.”

Sweeping in to pinch Amie’s rosy cheeks from her prop on Aalia’s hip, I give her mum a quick squeeze next. We’ve grown close. I pop around to her cabin regularly for a chat and the obligatory pot of tea.

“You want to come and walk with us?” she offers.

“Thanks, but I need to go and look for something at Lola’s cabin. I’ll catch you later?”

“No fighting with her,” she says sternly. “You are still… ah, getting better? Recovering! If I hear shouting, I’ll have to come and save you.”

“No need.” I brush off her concern. “Things aren’t the same between me and Lola, but I’m working on forgiving her. We’ve been keeping our distance until it’s easier.”

“Family is important, Willow.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Come and find me for a cuppa later.”

Kissing her cheek, I inch backwards. “I will.”

Walking back along the cobbled path that bisects the thick woodland leading to Lola’s cabin, I steel myself to see her. The front garden has been thoroughly pruned to welcome the summer, now full of yellow and pink wildflowers.

Taking a breath for courage, I step inside without bothering to knock. Nobody does around here. It’s a bit of a free for all, especially where Lola’s cabin is concerned. She has an open door policy for the whole town.

“Lola? You in?” I call out.

Voices from inside the kitchen suddenly fall silent. The door cracks open for Lola to peek out. She blanches when she sees me, her eyes dancing from side to side.

“Poppet, now isn’t a good time. Can you come back later?”

Kicking off my shoes, I point upstairs. “I’ll only be a second.”

“But—”

“It’s kinda important. I won’t disturb you further.”

Cutting off her protests, I race upstairs and let myself into the spare bedroom. It’s been cleaned and set back to normal since our abrupt exit. Crouching down to look under the bed, I find the box kicked into the corner.

The guys must’ve missed it when they packed up our stuff after my trip to the hospital. Laying down to reach for the box, my ear presses against the floorboards and I can hear Lola’s familiar voice carrying through the ceiling.

“I don’t have room for anyone else,” she says emphatically.

“I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t urgent.”

“We’ve already taken a case from you this quarter.”

“Please, Lola.”

Someone is pleading with her, a female voice.

“This family has lost everything and Briar Valley is the best place for them right now.”

“You always play on my heartstrings,” Lola berates.

“I know. I’m sorry.”

Lola’s response is too muffled to hear. I climb back onto my feet, cursing my curiosity, and flee back downstairs to get out of here without having to speak to Lola.

I’m halted at the bottom of the staircase by Albie stepping through the front door with armfuls of files and paperwork. His silvery head of hair lifts, two eyes landing on me with shock.

“Willow. Surprised to see you here.”

“Hey, Albie. Just picking something up.”

“You tell that man of yours his supply delivery from Highbridge is here.” He pulls off work gloves and sticks them in his denim jacket. “The boxes are in my truck outside.”

“Um, man of mine?”

The twinkle in his eye makes my cheeks flame.

“You’re thinking which one, right?” he jokes. “Don’t worry, there’s no judgement here. I’ll let you tell your Grams though. She’s darn protective and will flip her shit.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I splutter.

Albie scoffs. “I’m your neighbour, chuck. Not an idiot.”

Unable to offer a single excuse, I remain silent. The last thing I want right now is for Lola to stick her nose in my private business, especially where my complicated relationship with the guys is concerned.

“It’s alright. Your secret is safe with me. You coming in?”

“I have to go,” I lie.

“I don’t think so.” He harrumphs. “Come and see your grandma.”

Albie thumps towards the kitchen in his mud-caked boots. I follow, internally panicking that he’ll spill the beans if I don’t. The last thing I want is for him to blab to Lola that I’m… whatever the hell I am, with all three men across the street.

When I step into the kitchen, Lola’s eyes widen with sheer panic. Sitting opposite her tiny frame, nursing a mug of coffee, is a middle-aged woman that looks a little too familiar for my nerves to take.

Glossy, raven-coloured hair twisted into a neat plait on her head frames her flawless, moss-coloured eyes that seem to shimmer like the surface of a lake. She’s dressed in a smart shirt and jeans with a sparkling engagement ring resting on her finger.

“Oh,” I hum.

The woman looks up at me. Her automatic smile of greeting causes the twisted, pink scar splitting her face to pull taut. I have to swallow the bubble of terror that inches up my throat.

“I found this troublemaker lurking in the hallway.”

Albie jabs his finger at me, but his smile drops when he spots the woman sat opposite Lola, conversing over cups of coffee and homemade breakfast cookies.

“Oh, erm. Hi, Katie. Nice to see ya.”

She waves at him. “Morning, Albie. How are you?”

“Good, good. I’ll leave you ladies to talk. I just need Lola to sign off on these contracts.”

Startling her out of a daze, Lola quickly gathers herself. “Sure.”

After getting her scribbled signature, Albie makes a hasty retreat from the kitchen. His light squeeze of my arm on his way past does little to reassure me. I’ve been abandoned in the world’s stickiest situation.

“Did you find what you were looking for?” Lola asks tightly.

I clear the lump in my throat. “I uh… yeah.”

“What was it?”

“I left Arianna’s baby box here. Got it now though.”

Katie’s eyes lift to mine. “I don’t think we’ve met before.”

She’s smiling politely, but a small frown creases her brows as she studies me. All I can do is stare at that scar, disfiguring her wrinkle-lined features. Lola looks unnerved, but she soon smooths her impenetrable leadership mask back into place.

“Katie… this is, well, she’s Briar Valley’s newest resident.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Katie begins.

“Melody.” I finish for her. “And likewise.”

“I hope you’re settling in well, Melody.”

Lola tries to offer me a calming smile, but I feel like the whole world has fallen out from beneath my feet, leaving me to free fall. In an anxious trap, I lose grip of the baby box tucked under my arm. It hits the floor with a crash and everything spills out.

“Oh, shoot. I’m so sorry.”

Dropping to my knees, I quickly shove everything back inside and slam the lid a little harder than necessary. I hope Katie doesn’t notice the violent tremble of my hands.

“You want a coffee?” Lola offers.

My first instinct is to say no, but as I stare at Katie’s friendly face marred by such a devastating scar, I’m overwhelmed by the need to look at her forever in case she suddenly disappears again. I find myself nodding back.

“I could stay for a drink.”

Moving on autopilot, I end up sitting in the chair opposite her. Lola fixes my drink and hands it over, retaking her own seat at the table. Taking a gulp to distract myself, I nearly gasp as the hot liquid burns my throat.

“Careful,” Lola warns.

Katie sips her own drink, somehow oblivious. She clearly hasn’t been told that I’m here. Am I supposed to come out and say it? Do I even want her to know who I am? I’ve done everything in my power to not think about her for months.

“Katie has another family looking to move to town.”

“Oh?” I grind out.

Katie spares Lola a brief smile. “We have a recently bereaved father with two children. I was hoping this would be the place for him to start fresh. He has no other family.”

“Our last spare cabin has already been earmarked.” Lola frowns to herself. “Unless I can move some things around, make a few adjustments.”

“Aalia has a spare room,” I interject.

Lola shakes her head. “I’m not sure she will be happy to accept a strange man and his children into her home. Given her circumstances.”

“It’s worth asking her. It sounds like this man needs your help.”

Katie beams at me, full of relief. I can’t smile back. I’m caught between falling at her feet in a sobbing mess and punching her in the face.

“I’ll speak to Aalia,” Lola concedes. “No promises though.”

“Thank you so much for trying.” Katie reaches across the table to squeeze her clasped hands. “As always, I’m indebted to you.”

“You know I’ll always try to help.”

I watch their exchange with my breath held. It’s clear to see the mutual love and respect that exists between them. Lola had years to get to know Katie and build a relationship with her. Years that I didn’t have.

Katie looks at me, her eyes trailing over my long black hair. “Have you been here for long, Melody?”

“About six months or so. My daughter and I came here looking for a fresh start. Lola has been kind enough to take us in.”

“She’s good at that. How do you two know each other? I know just how much Lola likes her privacy. If I wasn’t an ex-resident of Briar Valley, I doubt I’d be sitting here.”

“She’s… a family friend,” Lola rushes to explain. “Distant family.”

“Is that so?” Katie replies.

“You know me, I’ve always had a soft spot for strays.”

“Oh, I know. Better than most.”

Standing abruptly, my chair bangs into the kitchen cupboard with a loud smack. They both look at me with surprise. I grab Arianna’s baby box and force a smile that physically pains me.

“I’ve got to go. It was nice meeting you.”

“And you.” Katie sticks a hand out for me to shake. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

It takes all of my remaining courage to take her hand in mine and shake. Her grip is warm and dry. I can feel the cold press of her engagement ring against my palm, the shining diamond capturing my eye again.

“Sure, maybe. Good luck with your work.’’

“Thank you,” she answers.

I race from the kitchen as fast as my feet will carry me. With the front door slammed shut behind me, I stumble down the porch steps and run at full speed into the thick woodland.

When I can’t walk any further, my knees slam into the ground. I drop the box and hide my streaming tears in my hands. She looked exactly how I remember her in my hazy childhood memories.

That was my mother.

If I had even a lick of sense, I’d run back in there and demand answers to my endless list of questions. But I’m imprisoned by fear and can’t move a muscle.

I’m not scared that I’ll hear something I don’t want to hear. No. I’m terrified that I’ll realise she was just like me—a mother, desperate and afraid, doing the best she could to survive.

I couldn’t hate her then.

And I’m petrified of needing her love.